Ana Vidović is a renowned classical guitarist from Croatia, celebrated for her extraordinary talent and significant contributions to the world of classical guitar. Born on November 8, 1980, in Karlovac, Croatia, Vidović was immersed in a musically-oriented environment from a young age. Her father, Ljubomir, was a bass guitarist, and her brothers, Viktor, a classical guitarist, and Silvije, a concert pianist, also pursued careers in music. This familial background significantly influenced her early development as a musician.
Vidović began playing the guitar at the age of five, inspired by her brother Viktor. Her prodigious talent became evident early on, and by the age of eight, she was performing publicly. At eleven, she started performing internationally, and by thirteen, she had gained such recognition that she became the youngest student ever to attend the Academy of Music in Zagreb. Her education there, during the tumultuous times of the Croatian War of Independence, was under the tutelage of Professor István Römer, from whom she graduated in 1998.
Her burgeoning reputation in Europe opened doors to further opportunities. Notably, she received an invitation from the world-renowned classical guitarist and professor Manuel Barrueco to study at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland. Vidović graduated from this prestigious institution in 2003, further honing her skills and preparing for a flourishing international career.
Vidović’s career is marked by frequent recitals, concerto engagements, festival appearances, and tours globally. Her repertoire often includes works by Johann Sebastian Bach, her favorite composer, and other notable composers like Federico Moreno Torroba, Manuel Ponce, Francisco Tárrega, and Joaquín Rodrigo. Her interpretation of Rodrigo’s famous “Concierto de Aranjuez” is particularly well-regarded. Vidović’s skills and talents have earned her over twenty awards at international competitions before the age of eighteen, including top prizes in prestigious competitions such as the Albert Augustine Memorial International Competition, the Fernando Sor competition, the Francisco Tárrega competition, the Eurovision Young Musicians competition, and the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York.
Critics and audiences alike have lauded Vidović for her immaculate, detailed, and polished playing. Her performances are noted for their nuance, personal expression, and deep musicality. Stephen Brookes of The Washington Post, for instance, highlighted her precise articulationArticulation In music, articulation refers to the musical direction performance technique which affects the transition or continuity on a single note or between multiple notes or sounds. There are many types of articulation, with each having a different effect on how the note is played. Some articulation marks include the slur, phrase mark, staccato, staccatissimo, accent, sforzando, rinforzando, and legato. Each articulation is represented by a different symbol placed above or below the note (depending on its position on the staff) and virtuosity, while Guitar Review’s Stephen Griesgraber emphasized the absolute musical experience of listening to her play.
Vidović cites Paco de Lucía and John Williams as significant musical inspirations. She has also expressed admiration for Jacqueline du Pré’s performance of the Elgar Concerto, listing it among her favorite classical CDs. An interesting aspect of her musicianship is her exclusive use of a Jim Redgate guitar, with which she feels a special connection. This instrument, according to Vidović, offers a vast exploratory potential for her music.
In terms of discography, Vidović has released six CDs, two live DVDs, and has been featured on various compilation albums. Her works include a range of compositions from classical guitar repertoire, showcasing her versatility and depth as an artist. Some of her notable recordings include “Guitar Virtuoso” (2006), featuring works by Bach, Torroba, Paganini, and Walton, and “Guitar Artistry in Concert” (2009), where she performs music by composers such as Torroba, Piazzolla, Pierre Bensusan, Sérgio Assad, Stanley Myers, Villa-Lobos, and Barrios.
Ana Vidović’s journey in the world of classical guitar is a testament to her exceptional talent, rigorous training, and enduring passion for music. Her performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide, securing her place among the elite musicians of her generation.
